Genesis G70 & Hyundai Palisade are 2023 Best Resale Values per Kelley Blue Book

While most car buyers understand their vehicle will depreciate – many have heard the old adage, “a vehicle loses value the moment you drive it off the lot!” – the average person may not be fully aware to what extent and how much this amount can vary from one model to the next. Understanding a car’s resale value can make the difference of hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the long run. To help new-car buyers shop smart, Kelley Blue Book today announced the 2023 model-year brand, category, and top 10 winners of the 21st annual Best Resale Value Awards, recognizing vehicles for their projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership period.

Prices of many consumer items remain inflated nearly three years after the pandemic began. Supply chain issues have improved within some industries and yet still remain a challenge in others, including the automotive industry. These challenges ultimately impact supply and demand, with the increased costs trickling down to consumers who are paying record-high prices for new cars. At the end of 2022, the average transaction price (ATP) of a new vehicle reached a record high of $49,507, and ATPs have remained above sticker price (or MSRP, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price) for more than a year, according to data from Kelley Blue Book. Given the fact that new-car buyers are paying more up front now than ever before, experts recommend they seriously take into account a vehicle’s resale value as they consider their purchase decisions.

Many new-car buyers do not realize that depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership. An average 2023 model-year vehicle will only retain about 45% of its original value after a five-year ownership period, meaning a $45,000 new car today will only be worth somewhere close to $20,250 after five years. In comparison, all vehicles in Kelley Blue Book’s Top 10 for Best Resale Value in 2023 are projected to retain around 60% or more of their MSRP after the initial five-year ownership period.

Resale value for new vehicles can vary greatly. Vehicles with average or below-average resale values generally are plentiful in the marketplace and easy to find, but certain vehicles are projected to hold their value better than others. While much of a vehicle’s resale value is based on supply and demand, as well as current and projected future market conditions, vehicles that retain their value best typically are discounted the least and tend to generate high levels of consumer interest.

Now in its 21st year, Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book® Official Residual Value Guide. Kelley Blue Book® Residual Values are established by experienced automotive analysts that review the output from statistical models built upon millions of transactions. Vehicles that earn the highest five-year residual values, expressed as a percentage of their original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), are selected for these prestigious awards. Low-volume vehicles are excluded from award consideration, except in the electric, luxury and sports car categories.

Residual values reflect projected future auction values for vehicles in average condition with 75,000 miles at the end of a five-year lease or ownership period. Kelley Blue Book’s residual values are used by manufacturers, banks, financial institutions and the automotive leasing industry. For more information about Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards, visit https://www.kbb.com/awards/best-resale-value-cars-trucks-suvs/.